Philadelphia Named LEED Platinum and Recognized for Sustainability and Resilience Achievements

PHILADELPHIA - The City of Philadelphia announced today that it has achieved a LEED for Cities and Communities certification at the highest Platinum level for its achievements and ongoing work improving overall sustainability and quality of life for residents.

Philadelphia joins more than 200 cities and communities worldwide to be certified under the LEED for Cities and Communities rating system. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, was created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is the world's most widely used green building rating system.

LEED for Cities and Communities helps local leaders measure and manage progress when working toward a more sustainable, resilient and equitable future. Guided by the certification program, Philadelphia has developed plans and taken actions to achieve high performance in social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Since 2009, the City has used LEED to set environmental and energy efficiency standards for municipal buildings.

"We are proud that Philadelphia has achieved a Platinum certification through the LEED for Cities and Communities program", said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "With help from LEED, we will continue raising the standard in every aspect of sustainability to build a safer, cleaner, and greener Philadelphia, with economic opportunity for all."

The City of Philadelphia achieved a LEED Platinum certification by implementing strategies and solutions that promote sustainability and quality of life. These include:

• City programs dedicated to improving flood resilience, including the Flood Risk Management Task Force and Eastwick: From Recovery to Resilience, and addressing extreme heat through initiatives including Beat the Heat Hunting Park.
• City strategies to reduce environmental justice risk and vulnerability including the Environmental Justice Community Dialogue Series, Environmental Justice and Climate Resilience Committee, and Community Resilience and Environmental Justice Fund.
• City programs and policies that promote the citywide transition to pollution-free, renewable energy sources, including Solarize Philly, Solar for All, and the City's Adams Solar Power Purchase Agreement.

Visit the blog to learn more about the City's LEED certification.

"Philadelphia's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous sustainability and climate leadership," said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. "LEED for Cities was created to help local governments advance responsible, sustainable solutions for energy, water, waste, transportation and many other factors that contribute to quality of life. Philadelphia is a prime example of how leadership and accountability can accelerate progress toward sustainability and resilience goals."

About the City's Office of Sustainability 

The Office of Sustainability (OOS) works with partners around the city to improve quality of life in all Philadelphia neighborhoods, through advancing environmental justice, reducing the city's carbon emissions, and preparing Philadelphia for a hotter and wetter future. The Division of Energy and Climate Solutions, housed within OOS, is responsible for managing the municipal energy portfolio and its contribution towards carbon reductions. For more information, visit phila.gov/sustainability.

About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to transforming how buildings and communities are designed, built and operated to create thriving, healthy, equitable and resilient places that advance human and environmental wellbeing. USGBC leads market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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